Denise Carole Sanchez completed her earthly journey at the age of 47 on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at home while surrounded by her loving family. To honor Denise’s life, a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. at Hope Church, 11893 John F. Kennedy Road in Dubuque, with Denise’s brother, Joel Ebert, officiating. Family and friends of Denise’s are welcome to light refreshments and fellowship following the service at the church. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Denise’s family.

Denise Carole Sanchez was born to Dennis DeKeyser and Judy Ebert on November 1, 1975, in Cudahy, WI. She had a love for her family, friends, and God. No matter where the Lord placed her, she held the desire to leave a lasting positive imprint on the world. Her youth and adolescence would be spent developing her talents for sports and music, as well as her devotion to children and His Word. She knew Jesus and was saved at a young age. During her childhood, she would spend many years as a camper at Lake Geneva Youth Camp in Wisconsin where her love for Him became real. Following her youth, Denise volunteered at the camp, as well as Camp Hope in Georgia. Whether in her workplace, at a sports camp, or on a mission trip in Bolivia, she had a natural ability to inspire joy and always volunteered to share the Gospel with others.

What Denise was not a natural at, she was intentional with, as she also enjoyed reading and studying. She would go on to learn more about her Savior by studying His Word at Emmaus Bible College. Denise enjoyed learning beyond the classroom minutes and would later return to school to earn her teaching degree. Soon after, she began her teaching career and quickly became a favorite among the students at Kennedy Elementary School in Dubuque. 

Often studying at Miguel’s Coffee Bar, she would meet her loving husband, Miguel Sanchez, there. The two were united in marriage on August 4, 2007. Denise immediately rose to the rank of being a wonderful wife. Additionally, she excitedly stepped in as a step-mother, as Miguel was already a father to three young children. The couple was blessed with many years together and three more daughters to love and adore. 

Outside of her roles as a caring daughter, nurturing sister, loving mother, faithful volunteer, and heartfelt teacher, Denise was a full person. With an array of hobbies, she enjoyed her free-time and was a sunny friend. In fact, Sunshine was originally supposed to be her birth name. With her best friends, AKA the “Florida Girls,” Denise made yearly trips to Anna Maria Island in the Sunshine State. Still, her shining pride and joy was her children. The sun rose and set on their lives, and her heart was unconditionally committed to them through each day that passed. 

Denise was honest, loyal, dedicated, and strong-willed when necessary. Her light shone through as a daughter, sister, friend, wife, volunteer, and teacher, and, most vividly, as Mom and Step-Mom. 

It’s beyond difficult to imagine life moving forward without Denise’s light and love in the world we must navigate, but we know that the Lord has a plan for good in all things for those who love Him. We trust that Denise is now eternally free from her earthly struggles and residing in absolute perfection waiting to be reunited with her loved ones in due time. Her family, friends, students, and children are forever grateful for the 47 years of a beautiful soul that the Lord was gracious enough to share. We now pray for His healing and comfort as we face the remainder of our journeys with her legacy and memories to help guide our daily steps forward. 

Thank you, Denise, for being so much more than we could ever hope to have in a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. May the Lord keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again. 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Denise include,

her loving husband, devoted caretaker, and friend,

Miguel A. Sanchez, Sr., Dubuque, IA;

her six adored children:

Miguel A. Sanchez, Jr. Edina, MN,

Sofía H. Sanchez, New York, NY.,

Andres B. Sanchez, Chicago, IL,

Autumn V. Sanchez, Dubuque, IA,

Summer I. Sanchez, Dubuque, IA,

and Maya G. Sanchez, Dubuque, IA;

her parents:

Dennis (Dianne Hupp) DeKeyser, Racine, WI,

and Judy Ebert, Milwaukee, WI;

her siblings:

Duane (Terri) DeKeyser, FL,

Josh Ebert, Milwaukee, WI,

and Joel (Renae) Ebert, Milwaukee, WI;

her step-siblings,

Greg Ebert, Milwaukee, WI,

Donna Ebert, Naperville, IL,

Jason Ebert, FL,

and Jay Ebert, Green Bay, WI;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Denise was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Carole DeKeyser; her maternal grandparents, Doris Guckenburger and Steven Kuban; and her step-father, Jerry Ebert. 

Denise’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care. They would also like to thank Denise’s lifelong friends: Robin, Jessica, Keri, Laura, and Jamie for all of their unwavering love and sisterhood during this difficult time. Additionally, a special thank-you to Miguel’s colleagues, who have offered consistent accommodation and support. 

There are far too many people to name with incredible souls who have selflessly supported and poured into Denise and her family these past few years. We know who you are and cannot thank you enough. Finally, it is fitting that we are gathered at Hope Church today, as they have offered boundless support to this day. Your gentle and generous hearts have truly brought some much needed peace and comfort into our lives, and we are eternally grateful for your kindnesses.